Marian Beck, Navigation Interference, Alaska 2022

Defendant Interferes with Seaplane, Sentenced to 3 Years’ Probation

A Halibut Cove woman has been sentenced to three years’ probation for attempting to interfere with the navigation of a seaplane using a boat. Marian Beck, 70, was required to relinquish her Master-Captain’s license to the U.S. Coast Guard as part of her sentence.

According to court documents, on Aug. 23, 2022, Beck operated a boat in a reckless manner by making several close passing maneuvers in front of a seaplane while it was taxiing out of the waterway. The seaplane was full of passengers participating in a bear and sightseeing tour via the plane.

‘Ms. Beck’s conscious disregard for the safety of the pilot and his passengers will not be tolerated,’ said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. ‘Seaplanes are an integral piece of Alaska, and the pilots and passengers of these planes should be free to operate and travel freely within the state and elsewhere without harassment in their day-to-day operations.’

The U.S. District Court imposed three years’ probation, including a requirement of three months’ home confinement, citing that the defendant’s actions created a reckless and dangerous situation and factored into the court’s decision.

The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Northwest Field Office, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gavelek are prosecuting the case.

Beck was also ordered to pay a $9,500 fine as part of her sentence. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offense and sends a message to industry professionals to deter future criminal actions.

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